Color changing tape, label, card and game intermediates

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to color changing tape, label, card and game intermediates for evidence of use, concealing proprietary information or gaming or promotional information until the intermediate is separated. The intermediate includes a substrate of clear or transparent or colored translucent polymeric film or translucent paper combined with judiciously selected cleanly separable translucent colored coatings in intimate contact to form one translucent color that leave no residue when separated.

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Serial No.PCT/US03/30667, filed Sep. 29, 2003 which claims the priority ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 60/415,250, filed Sep. 30, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tape, label, card and game intermediates forevidence of use, concealing proprietary or gaming or promotionalinformation until the intermediate is separated. The intermediateincludes a substrate of clear or colored transparent or translucentpolymeric film or translucent paper with one side coated with at leastone judiciously selected cleanly separable translucent tinted coating(s)in intimate contact to form one translucent color that leave no residuewhen separated. Indicia of a different color not meant to be masked orhidden applied to either side of the combined translucent layer isvisible. The coated layers when separated split into two differentcolored layers effecting a color change to show evidence of use.Optionally, in a preferred embodiment, the invention is useful formasking printed indicia until the intermediate is used such as forgaming pieces or for masking confidential information such as creditcard Pin numbers and the like. To accomplish this, indicia can beapplied by the converter or printer to the exposed surface of theintermediate or can be printed on an article with the intermediateaffixed over the indicia. The indicia color or tint is selected to bethe same color or one dominated by the color combination of the coloredtranslucent layers in intimate contact so that it is invisible to theeye until the layers of the intermediate are separated. The indicia canbe customized by conventional flexographic, gravure or lithographictechniques or by electronic imaging techniques including but not limitedto ink jet, thermal transfer, laser, direct thermal, dye diffusionthermal transfer and other toner and variable information printingtechnologies instead of purchasing pre-patterned materials fromsubstrate suppliers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skov, U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,434 describes a two component permanent tamperresistant protective film label which after application will damage theunderlying label upon removal. The first component is a patterned layerwith substantially no adhesion to the second component, a transparentbase film with a continuous coated layer applied over the pattern layerwith strong adhesion to the transparent film. Both coatings have indicesof refraction that render the continuous coating and pattern layerindiscernible with respect to one another. An adhesive layer is appliedto the continuous coating. A portion of the protective film hassubstantially no adhesion to the patterned layer and strong adhesion toareas outside the pattern layer to allow the protective film to readilyseparate from and destruct portions of the pattern layer when the filmis removed. This structure is used for tamper evident applications wherea pattern layer and a coated layer preferably of the same material isassembled by the label substrate manufacturer. It is not universallyacceptable because there is no customization possible in terms of thetamper evident pattern or indicia. It can only be used for tamperevident applications and has no provision to mask confidentialinformation in non-tamper evident applications.

Schaefer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,505, describes stress-opacifying tamperindicating tape for closures which bears a visible message which ischanged when the tape is subjected to stress to indicate that it hasbeen tampered with. The message change occurs by the tape becomingopaque to conceal one message and provide a contrasting background for adifferent message. The invention comprises a stress opacifyingtranslucent polymeric backing having an exposed surface with printedindicia of a translucent colored ink material and contrasting coloredindicia on the opposite surface of the backing layer. A coating in thebackground area of the contrasting indicia is applied on the oppositesurface with the color of the coating substantially the same as thecolor of the indicia on the exposed surface. The contrasting indicia ofthe contrasting color is visible from the exposed side of said backinguntil the backing is subjected to sufficient stress to opacify saidbacking obliterating the contrasting indicia and background coating tocreate the visibility of the indicia on the exposed surface. Thisproduct is not universally accepted because by becoming opaque,information below the tape is no longer is visible versus the two clearor translucent separable layers of the current invention. Additionally,the choice of stress opacifying tapes for commercial use are limited andexpensive versus the current invention where any clear or transparentpolymeric material or translucent paper can be used.

Ewan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,470, describes tamper evident seals comprisinga transparent or translucent substrate sheet having and outer surfaceand an inner surface with a layer of adhesive on the inner surface.Disposed between the layer of adhesive and the inner surface of thesubstrate is a tamper indicating means comprising a transparent maskingmaterial disposed on the inner surface in a indicia defining pattern anda layer of colorant extending beyond the indicia defining pattern of themasking material. Where present, the masking material reduces thestrength of the bond between the colorant and substrate sheet to belowthe strength of the bond between the colorant and the adhesive. Uponattempted removal of the seal from a surface to which it has beenapplied, the colorant comes off the substrate sheet in the area of themasking material to create a permanent but previously nonevident tamperindicating indicia visible through the substrate sheet. The outline ofthe indicia corresponds to the area of the masking material. Thisinvention as in Skov uses a pattern of indicia and coating, colored inthis case which splits and leaves a residue on the substrate layer andarticle that it is affixed to.

Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,873 discloses switch proof labelscomprising a transparent plastic film on which an indicia is printed inreverse and is then overcoated with an adhesive. The printing has agreater affinity for the adhesive than for the plastic film so that whenthe label is applied to an object and then removed, a tamper-indicatingamount of the indicia remains on the object. This technology with theindicia visible at all times does not allow for graphics under the labelto be clearly read at any time and is the most basic form of a tamperevident label.

Bachman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,942 discloses a secure contest card fortemporarily and completely concealing the presence, absence, position ornature of indicia printed on the card comprising a smooth surface cardmaterial having an upper surface and a lower surface. A patternedirregular layer of material printed either immediately above, below orabove and below printed indicia on the upper surface of the card stockis covered with an opaque removable mask. This technique is complexbecause the required opaque removable mask blocks the view of desiredindicia while concealing the indicia meant to be hidden until the timeof use. The mask layer is destroyed when it is removed and does notseparate cleanly as the present invention.

Schultz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,929 discloses a tamper evident labelconstruction consisting of multiple layers of protective film where astrong film is applied to a fragile film having adhesive on the oppositeside. Multiple indicia, masking and adhesive layers are applied with atransparent or tinted polymeric coating over the masking material in acomplex manufacturing process. One set of indicia is visible on one ofthe film layers until the complex and costly multi-film layeredstructure is tampered with which reveals indicia on the second filmlayer while maintaining the integrity of the indicia on the first filmlayer. The costly and complex tamper evident label system of Schultz isnot suitable for the mass market because of not only because of cost andcomplexity because it does not provide for a means to clearly readgraphics on the article below the label and can not be customized by theconverter purchasing and printing the label substrate because theindicia in a select pattern and the masking layers are applied by themanufacturer of the label substrate, not the printer.

Grotzner, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,607 teaches a label for coveringconfidential information having a base layer with opposed first andsecond surfaces. A transparent adhesive seal layer is attached to thefirst surface to affix the label to an article and an irreversiblyremovable opaque scratch-off layer is attached to the second surfacewith an authentication mark attached to the scratch-off layer. A coatingbetween the base layer and adhesive provides for adhesion to the objectwith one force and to the base layer with another force in locallydifferent areas with different strength values in a pattern. The“coating” incorporates at least an ink film and the random or registeredprinting of bonding agents and anti- and stick lacquers. If the baselayer is separated from the object, the ink film remains partially stuckto the base layer and partially stuck to the object causing anirreversible optically visible alteration of the colored layer of thelabel but not a color change. The base label has the same tamper evidentfunctionality as the prior art of record discussed thus far. The noveltyof the invention is the addition of an irreversibly removable scratchoff-layer with an authentic mark.

All of the prior art patents cited thus far provide for technology whichis unsuitable for use in tamper evident applications which necessitateclean separation of the layers of indicia, bonding agents, lacquers,adhesives and ink films. In each of the cited prior art patents there isresidue evident on at least one of the layers at the separation pointinterface. Additionally, none of the prior art patents teach a chameleontype color change indicating separation of the layers to show that thelayers have been tampered with or to reveal masked information. Theprior art produces opacity or distortions based and varying adhesion ofink layers, adhesives and lacquers that makes it difficult to seethrough the tapes and labels to view indicia below. In the currentinvention, information can still be cleanly viewed through theintermediate if an attempt has been made to remove the intermediate.

Scheggetman, U.S. Published Patent Application Ser. No. 20020056990 A1May 16, 2002, describes a tamper evident business form where a firsttransparent upper laminate having a textured lower surface adapted toreceive confidential information on it's upper surface is combined witha second lower laminate having a complementary textured upper surfacesuch that the upper laminate appears transparent and such that the upperlaminate appears noticeably less transparent when it is separated fromthe lower laminate and the complementary textured surfaces are exposed.The structure is used in conjunction with an opaque scrambling patternwhich prevents reading of the confidential information. Scheggetman'sinvention uses intimate contact clarity between layers to createtransparency out of translucent layers, not the present inventions colorchanging combinations of layers that change color when separated. InScheggetman, one side of the laminate is affixed over an opaque scramblepattern on a business form and the other side of the laminate is imagedwith confidential information that is not visible until the laminate isseparated from the opaque scramble pattern. When separated from theconfidential indicia concealing blocking scramble pattern, the layer oflaminate with the confidential information becomes translucent creatingcontrast to visually see the confidential information printed with agray screen. Translucency is also used as a tamper evident feature toindicate that the layer has been separated.

The present state of the art shows that tamper evident labels and tapescan be produced using combinations of substrates, adhesives, ink films,patterned coatings, stress opacifying films, lacquers, bonding agentsand combinations of all these components in complex multi-layer costlysubstrates. The prior art substrates are customized by the manufacturerof the base tape or label substrate. This limits the application tostandard tamper evident applications where the word “void” or “opened”may appear when the label or tape is lifted. Additionally confidentialinformation on tamper evident constructions can be masked by scramblepatterns or hidden below removable mask or scratch off layers.

This invention provides for tape, label, card and game intermediatesthat will show evidence of use and conceal proprietary, gaming,promotional or redeemable information until the intermediate isseparated. One form of the intermediate includes a substrate of clear orcolored transparent polymeric film or colored translucent paper with oneside coated with at least one judiciously selected cleanly separabletranslucent tinted coatings in intimate contact to form one translucentcolor that leave no residue when separated. Indicia of a different colornot meant to be masked or hidden can be applied to either side of thecombined translucent layer is visible. The coated layers when separatedsplit into two different colored layers effecting a color change to showevidence of use. This contrasts with the prior art where tamper evidenceis defined by irreversible separated layers of patterns of indicia, inklayers, bonding agents, adhesives, ink films, etc. in combination withlayers of transparent or translucent film, stress opacifying film,scramble patterns, authentic markings and scratch off layers. The simplecombination of two colored translucent layers combining into a one colortranslucent layer until the layers are separated is a simple costeffective way to show evidence of separation or use. Optionally, the“chameleon effect” of separation of the layers causing a color change ofthe invention is useful for masking printed indicia until the layers areseparated as the layer is used. This can be for gaming pieces orredeemable articles, contests or for masking confidential informationsuch as credit card and pin numbers and the like where the userintentionally separates the intermediates layers to reveal informationsuch as winning a prize or exposing a PIN number. The intermediate canbe used for applications without intended separation that will revealinformation for tamper evident purposes only such as exposing the word“void”, a customized message or just a simple color change to show thearticle was tampered with. To accomplish this, indicia can be applied bythe converter or printer to the exposed surface of the intermediateopposite the article it is affixed to or can be printed on an articlewith the intermediate affixed over the indicia. The indicia color ortint is selected to be the same color or one dominated by the colorcombination of the translucent colored layers in intimate contact sothat it is invisible to the eye until the layers of the intermediate areseparated.

It has now been found that making a color changing or “chameleon” labelor tape intermediate with the ability to mask and expose information orprovide tamper evident features based on a color change of translucentlayers on separation of the layers allows surprising ease of manufactureand attractive economics. Additionally, the flexibility to customize ondemand information not available before to converters of materials ofthis type who were locked into standard patterns from substratesuppliers is a distinguishing feature of this invention versus the priorart tamper evident labels and tapes. The entire intermediate of thisinvention is translucent so indicia can be viewed through it and thecolor change after separation covers the entire interface area of theseparated layers. There is no ink, adhesive, bonding or lacquer layerstransferring to one or both separated layers obstructing the clarity orscrambling the image to read indicia on the surface of the exposed layerof the intermediate or on the article the intermediate was affixed to.The images desired to be exposed upon separation of the layers can becustomized by an end user not the substrate manufacturer usingconventional flexographic, gravure or lithographic techniques or byelectronic imaging techniques. The electronic imaging techniques includebut are not limited to color ink jet, thermal transfer, laser, directthermal, dye diffusion thermal transfer and other toner and variableinformation printing technologies. The ability to easily customize abase intermediate instead of purchasing pre-patterned materials with thepattern imbedded in the structure from substrate suppliers is asignificant advancement in this art especially with the rapidadvancement of on demand colored variable imaging techniques.Conceivably, every intermediate could have a unique variably imagedidentifier exposed on separation of the layers.

It has also been found that the process for making tamper evidentintermediates and articles with masked confidential information to beexposed at a later time is simplified, and an improved and morecustomizable product is obtained, if a translucent colored layer iscaused to reversibly develop on the substrate through the combination ofat least two translucent colored layers in intimate contact that form anew color or retains the color and shade of the dominant color in thecombination until the layers are reversibly separated into the originaltranslucent colors. Intimate contact between colored layers is definedas one colored layer on top of another or separated by a anothertranslucent or clear bonding layer which can be a coating, adhesive orfilm. Translucent layers are defined as a layers through which anunderlying indicia, surface or pattern can been viewed when thetranslucent layer is affixed in intimate contact preferably through theuse of a clear pressure sensitive or heat activated adhesive to theunderlying indicia, surface or pattern.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide for the use ofseparable translucent intermediates for use in tamper evident labelingand tape applications and in area's information technology, gaming andcommerce where the intermediates are used to conceal information untilneeded by the rightful end user by separation of the layers to exposethe information. Specific mention is made of a preferred embodimentadapted for use as a credit card signature stripe with embeddedconfidential information. A second preferred embodiment incorporates aremovable scratch off coating on the exposed surface of the intermediatemasking confidential information visible through the intermediate thatshows tamper evident color change if it was attempted to lift the layersto look below the scratch off coating covering the confidentialinformation. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that theconfidential indicia imaged on an article covered with the intermediateof this invention is the same color or a color dominated by the layerclosest to and adhered to the image. On separation of the layers, theconfidential information blends into the attached layer and is notvisible to the eye.

It is also contemplated that the make up of the translucent layers canbe as follows:

Colored translucent polymeric film layers joined in intimate contact bya clear or colored adhesive layer.

A combination of at least one colored translucent polymeric film layerand at least one colored translucent coated layer

At least two colored translucent coated layers coated in intimatecontact onto a clear polymeric film substrate.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from thepresent specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of the color changing intermediateconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionusing a clear film and two colored translucent coated layers;

FIG. 2 illustrates the intermediate of FIG. 1 with an adhesive layer andoptional release backing;

FIG. 3 shows the separation interface of the colored layers of FIG. 2 togenerate a color change in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the intermediate of the present invention as depictedin FIG. 2 affixed to a card stock with printed indicia between the cardstock and the separable layers;

FIG. 5 illustrates the intermediate of the present invention as depictedin FIG. 2 affixed to a card stock. Printed indicia is indicated on theexposed surface of the intermediate;

FIG. 6 incorporates the printed indicia of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the addition of a protectivecoating applied over the printed indicia of the intermediate;

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 with the addition of a removablemasking layer covering the indicia that could be viewed without the maskthrough the translucent intermediate applied to a card;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the color changing intermediateconstructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention using a colored translucent film and at least one coloredtranslucent coated layer;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the color changing intermediateconstructed in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention using at least two colored translucent film layers joined inintimate contact by a clear or colored translucent adhesive layer;

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to this invention, there is provided a color changing coatedand or laminated intermediate used for tamper evident color changing ormasking substrates to reveal information upon the separation of layersof the intermediate, comprising:

-   (i) a colored translucent layer having an upper surface and a lower    surface;-   (ii) a second translucent colored layer having an upper surface and    a lower surface, the upper surface being intimately and removably    adhered to the lower surface of said colored translucent layer (i)    to form a combined translucent color that is the product of the    combination of the colors of the two layers or is the dominant color    of the two layers;-   (iii) a reversible separable interface at the interface of the two    colored layers that when separated produces a color change back to    the original colors of the separate colored translucent layers

Either color layer may cover all or from 10-90%, preferably 30-70% ofthe total area of the translucent layer.

In preferred embodiments:

-   -   the translucent colored layers can be at least two coated layers        applied to a transparent film, at least two translucent colored        film layers intimately joined by a clear or translucent colored        adhesive or a combination of translucent colored film layers and        translucent coated layers to create a color change or dominant        color when the layers are combined that is reversible to the        original colors when the layers are separated; and    -   the translucent colored film layers or clear transparent film        layer comprise any clear polymer film preferably polyester or        olefin films, 0.2 to 7 mils thick; and    -   any combination of colors intimately and reversibly attached        that make up the combined layer and resultant colored layer that        when separated produce two visually different colors; and    -   the intimate and reversible bond between at least two colored        translucent coated layers is accomplished by coating one colored        layer on top of another; and    -   the intimate and reversible bond between at least one colored        translucent coated layer and at least one colored translucent        film layer is accomplished by coating the coated layer onto the        film layer; and    -   the coat weight of translucent colored coatings is in the range        of 0.25-15 grams/MSI        -   the intimate and reversible bond between at least two            colored translucent film layers is accomplished by a clear            or colored removable adhesive or by coextrusion of the            layers at the time of manufacture; and the translucent            colored layers are formulated to be firmly adherent for            handling of the intermediate but “separable” or “reversible”            after one layer has been affixed to and article or item and            an attempt is made to separate the intermediate; In another            of its major aspects, the present invention contemplates the            intermediate as described above combined with:            -   a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and removable                backing layer to affix the intermediate to an article;                or            -   indicia on an article printed between and in intimate                contact with the translucent film layer (clear or                colored) and one of the other colored layers in a color                and shade the same as the color of the combined layers                so it is masked by the combined colored translucent                layers when they are affixed over the indicia on the                article, such indicia only visible when the translucent                colored layers are separated; and

In another of its major aspects, the present invention contemplates theintermediate as described above combined with:

-   -   a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and removable backing layer        to affix the intermediate to an article; or    -   indicia on an article printed between and in intimate contact        with the translucent film layer (clear or colored) and one of        the other colored layers in a color and shade the same as the        color of the combined layers so it is masked by the combined        colored translucent layers when they are affixed over the        indicia on the article, such indicia only visible when the        translucent colored layers are separated; and

In another of its major aspects, the present invention contemplates theintermediate as described above combined with:

-   -   a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and removable backing layer        to affix the intermediate to an article; or    -   a thermally activated adhesive layer to affix the intermediate        to an article; and    -   indicia on an article printed in a color and shade the same as        the color of the combined layers so it is masked same as the        color of the combined layers so it is masked by the combined        colored translucent layers when they are affixed over the        indicia on the article, such indicia only visible when the        translucent colored layers are separated; and    -   indicia on an article printed in a color and shade different        from the color of the combined layers but dominated by the color        of the combined layers so it is masked by the combined colored        translucent layers when they are affixed over the indicia on the        article, such indicia only visible when the translucent colored        layers are separated; and    -   indicia on an article printed in a color that will not be masked        by the combined colored translucent layers when they are affixed        over the indicia on the article and is visible through the        intermediate before the layers are separated and after the        layers are separated; and    -   indicia on an article printed in a color that will not be masked        by the combined colored translucent layers when they are affixed        over the indicia on the article and is visible through the        intermediate before the layers are separated but not after the        layers are separated; and    -   indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate printed in a        color and shade the same as the color of the combined layers so        it is masked by the combined colored translucent layers, , such        indicia only visible when the translucent colored layers are        separated; and    -   indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate printed in a        color and shade different from the color of the combined layers        but dominated by the color of the combined layers so it is        masked by the combined colored translucent layers, such indicia        only visible when the translucent colored layers are separated;        and    -   indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate printed in a        color that will not be masked by the combined colored        translucent layers and is visible on the intermediate before the        layers are separated and after the layers are separated; and    -   indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate printed in a        color that will not be masked by the combined colored        translucent layers and is visible on the intermediate before the        layers are separated but not after the layers are separated; and    -   indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate and the        surface of the article as outlined above in any combination of        visible before or after separation as required by the end user;        and    -   multiple colors of indicia can be used for best graphic        presentation; and    -   clear or translucent protective coatings can be applied over        indicia on the exposed surface of the intermediate for scuff and        rub resistance or to change or equalize the gloss level of the        surface of the intermediate to aid in masking the presence of        the indicia in the reflection of light; and    -   print receptive coatings applied to the exposed (non adhesive)        surface of the intermediate that can be customized by a        converter or printer including print receptive coatings for        flexographic, gravure or lithographic inks to help improve ink        adhesion and/or receive images from ink jet, thermal transfer,        laser, dye diffusion and other types of electronic imaging        printers.    -   a preferred embodiment utilizes a removable masking layer such        as a scratch off coating in combination with the intermediate of        the invention applied over part or the entire intermediate        surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, color changing intermediate structure 10 iscomprised of a clear or translucent polymeric film layer 11 to which twocolored translucent layers 12 and 13 are reversibly combined in intimatecontact through coating or laminating to form a color different from theoriginal colors or the dominant color of the two.

Referring to FIG. 2, this embodiment of the invention is intermediate 10that shows the addition of adhesive layer 14 and optional releasebacking 15 if a pressure sensitive adhesive is used on intermediate 10of FIG. 2. to affix the intermediate to an article, resulting inintermediate 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, this embodiment of the invention shows intermediate16 illustrating the separation interface 17 of the layers ofintermediate 16 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, this embodiment illustrates the intermediate 20comprising a clear polymeric film layer 11 coated with two coloredtranslucent layers 12 and 13 with pressure sensitive adhesive layer 14affixed to a card stock 22 with indicia 23 on the surface of the cardstock covered with the adhesive 14 of the intermediate.

Referring to FIG. 5, this embodiment 25 illustrates the intermediatecomprising a clear polymeric film layer 11 coated with two coloredtranslucent layers 12 and 13 with pressure sensitive adhesive layer 14affixed to a card stock 22 with indicia 24 on the surface of theintermediate.

Referring to FIG. 6, this embodiment 26 illustrates the intermediatecomprising a clear polymeric film layer 11 coated with two coloredtranslucent layers 12 and 13 with pressure sensitive adhesive layer 14affixed to a card stock 22 with indicia 24 on the surface of theintermediate and with indicia 23 on the surface of the card stockcovered with the adhesive 14 of the intermediate.

Referring to FIG. 7, this embodiment 26 as illustrated in FIG. 6 withthe addition of a protective and gloss controlling coating 25 appliedover the exposed printed indicia of the intermediate 27.

Referring to FIG. 8, this embodiment 28 illustrates the embodiment ofintermediate 20 of FIG. 4 with a removable masking layer 26 partiallydisposed over the surface of the exposed intermediate film layer 11masking the printed indicia 23 on the base card 22.

Referring to FIG. 9, this embodiment 30 illustrates another method forconstructing the color changing intermediate. Structure 30 is comprisedof at least one layer of a colored translucent polymeric film 32 and atleast one layer of a coated colored translucent layer 12 reversiblycombined in intimate contact to form a color different from the originalcolors or that is the dominant color of the two. This embodiment isinterchangeable with the embodiment in FIG. 1 and is interchangeable inthe embodiments of FIG. 2-FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, this embodiment 31 illustrates another method forconstructing the color changing intermediate. Structure 31 is comprisedof at least two layers of a colored translucent polymeric film 32 and 33and a layer of clear or colored adhesive 29 joining the film layers inreversible intimate contact to form a color different from the originalcolors or that is the dominant color of the two. This embodiment isinterchangeable with the embodiment in FIG. 1 and is interchangeable inthe embodiments of FIG. 2-FIG. 8.

Many different polymeric films such as polyester, polypropylene, vinyl,polyethylene or combinations can be used to achieve the results of theinvention. It is optional to use corona, flame or plasma treatment as isconventional in the art to promote adhesion of a coated layer to apolymeric layer. Colored translucent layers coated in intimate contactwith one another are formulated to be reversible which means they willcleanly separate without transfer of one layer to another in whole or inpart to become two separate and distinct colored layers. Adhesives usedto intimately bond layers of colored translucent films are formulatedfor clean reversibility or separation of the film layers. This means aclear adhesive can be used that will transfer to one or both of thefilms when separated maintaining the integrity of the colors of theseparate film layers. Additionally, a colored adhesive can be used thatwill transfer to or stay with one film layer when separated to maintainthe different color integrity of the two layers after reversibleseparation. The bond between the layers at the separation interface is apeelable bond.

The determination of fitness for use is a practical one whereintermediates are made using different chemistries for coloredtranslucent coatings and different, clear or colored, polymeric filmsor, clear or colored, translucent paper and are combined together inintimate contact to show the new color or the dominant color present.The intermediate is then separated to expose the original colors.

EXAMPLES BASED ON LABORATORY EVALUATION AND PRODUCTION TEST MATERIALExample 1

An intermediate consisting of one clear layer polymeric film layer andcoated yellow and blue colored translucent layers was prepared asfollows:

Step 1—A coating composition consisting of the following was prepared tocreate a yellow translucent coating:

Ingredient Parts Supplier Acrylic Emulsion Resin 26091 30 B. F. GoodrichYellow Tint Y02 8 ASI Aziridine Crosslinker 2 Zeneca Resins SilicaParticles 6 Degussa Water 54 — 100

The above composition was coated at a nominal 1.5 grams/MSI On clearcorona treated 1 mil biaxially-oriented polyester. After forced hot airdrying and allowing 48 hours for the coating composition to cure to apermanent bond on the clear polyester film, the resultant film with thecoating is colored yellow and translucent and is firmly adhered to thepolyester.

MSI is defined as 1000 square inches

Step 2—A second coating composition was prepared as follows to create ablue translucent coating:

Ingredient Parts Supplier Polyethylene Emulsion Resin PE40 50 ChemicalCorp Dark Blue Tint BL06 8 ASI Water 42 — 100

The above composition was coated at a nominal 5 grams/MSI on top of theyellow coating adhered to the polyester film and was hot air dried. Theresultant intermediate is a translucent blue matching the dominant shadeof the blue coating as viewed through the clear polyester layer. At thispoint, conventional pressure sensitive packaging tape was applied to thesurface of the translucent blue layer and adhesion was allowed to buildfor 15 minutes. The tape was then peeled off simultaneously removing theblue translucent layer from intimate contact with the yellow translucentlayer demonstrating the reversible color change between the layers.

Example 2

Step 1—To the intermediate of Example 1, pressure sensitive adhesiveDyTac 9053 a rubber acrylic blend available from DynaTech Adhesives wascoated onto the blue translucent layer and force hot air dried creatinga pressure sensitive tape substrate.

Step 2—the pressure sensitive tape substrate from Step 1 was appliedover the black indicia of a label on a box at the flaps to seal itclosed.

Step 3—The tape was partially removed and in areas where it was lifted,the translucent colored layers separated and the color visible lookingthrough the clear film layer changed from blue to yellow indicating thatthe tape had been tampered with.

Example 3

Step 1—the tape intermediate of Example 2 was laminated to a 1.5 milpolyester release liner L3 release level available from Siltech, adivision of Technicote to create a removable backing label intermediate.

Step 2—a label was cut out of the intermediate from Step 1, the releaseliner was removed to expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and theintermediate was applied over a PIN# on the back of a commerciallyavailable phone card. The black PIN number was readable through thetranslucent colored intermediate. The clear polyester substrate waslifted from the card at the edges of the label through separation of thetranslucent colored layers. The polyester at the separation points nowappeared yellow indicating it was tampered with.

Example 4

Step 1—indicia the same color as the label intermediate of Example 3 wasapplied to the surface of the clear polyester around the perimeter ofthe label. The indicia on the surface of the label intermediate was notreadily visible to the naked eye because the color matched the colorachieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucent layers.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over a PIN# on the back of a commercially available phone card.The black PIN number was readable through the translucent coloredintermediate. The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card atthe edges of the label through separation of the translucent coloredlayers. The polyester at the separation points now appeared yellowindicating it was tampered with and the blue indicia on the surface ofthe clear polyester layer was now visible.

Example 5

Step 1—A matte translucent varnish was applied over the surface indiciaof the label intermediate of Example 4 to protect the indicia and maskoptical properties in the refection of light by creating a surface onthe polyester with indicia that is uniform in appearance. The indicia onthe surface of the label intermediate was not visible to the naked eyebecause the color matched the color achieved though the intimate contactof the colored translucent layers and the gloss level of the over coatedpolyester and indicia was uniform. It is contemplated from the examplethat optically variable over coatings could also be used to create adifferent but uniform translucent surface finish.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over a PIN# on the back of a commercially available phone card.The black PIN number was readable through the translucent coloredintermediate. The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card atthe edges of the label through separation of the translucent coloredlayers. The polyester at the separation points now appeared yellowindicating it was tampered with and the blue indicia on the surface ofthe clear polyester layer was now visible.

Example 6

A an intermediate consisting of one clear polymeric film layer andcoated yellow and blue translucent colored layers was prepared asfollows:

Step 1—A light blue coating composition consisting of the following wasprepared to create a light blue translucent coating:

Ingredient Parts Supplier Acrylic Emulsion Resin 26091 50 B. F. GoodrichDark Blue Tint BL06 3 ASI Aziridine Crosslinker 2 Zeneca Resins Water 45— 100

The coating was applied at a nominal 2.5 grams/MSI to the corona treatedpolyester as in Example 1 above and allowed to cure for 48 hours.

Step 2—a yellow coating composition was prepared as follows:

Ingredient Parts Supplier Acrylic Emulsion Resin 26091 30 B. F. GoodrichYellow Tint Y02 5 ASI Silica Particles 6 Degussa BYK 301 Anti-Mar Agent5 Byk Chemie Surfynol 440 Wetting Agent 2% Air Products Water 52 — 100

The above composition was coated at a nominal 3 grams/MSI on top of theblue coating adhered to the polyester film from Step 1 and was hot airdried. The resultant intermediate is a translucent light green which isa result of the intimate contact between the yellow and blue translucentcolored layers as viewed through the clear polyester layer. At thispoint, conventional pressure sensitive packaging tape was applied to thesurface of the translucent green layer of the intermediate on the sideopposite the polyester and adhesion was allowed to build for 15 minutes.The tape was then peeled off simultaneously removing the yellowtranslucent layer from intimate contact with the blue translucent layerdemonstrating the reversible color change between the layers with thegreen combination separating into yellow and blue layers.

Example 7

Step 1—To the intermediate of Example 6, pressure sensitive adhesiveDyTac 9053 a rubber acrylic blend available from DynaTech Adhesives wascoated onto the green translucent layer and was force hot air dried tocreating a pressure sensitive tape substrate.

Step 2—the pressure sensitive tape substrate from Step 1 was appliedover the black indicia of a label on a box at the flaps to seal itclosed.

Step 3—The tape was partially removed and in areas where it was lifted,the combined translucent colored green layers separated and the colorvisible looking through the clear film layer changed from green to blueindicating that the tape had been tampered with.

Example 8

Step 1—the tape intermediate of Example 7 was laminated to a 1.5 milpolyester release liner L3 release level available from Siltech, adivision of Technicote to create a removable backing label intermediate.

Step 2—a label was cut out of the intermediate from Step 1, the releaseliner was removed to expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and theintermediate was applied over a black PIN# on the back of a commerciallyavailable phone card. The PIN number was readable through thetranslucent colored green intermediate. The clear polyester substratewas lifted from the card at the edges of the label through separation ofthe translucent colored layers. The polyester at the separation pointsnow appeared blue indicating it was tampered with.

Example 9

Step 1—indicia the same color as the label intermediate of Example 8 wasapplied to the surface of the clear polyester around the perimeter ofthe label. The indicia on the surface of the label intermediate was notreadily visible to the naked eye because the color matched the colorachieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucent layers.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over a black PIN# on the back of a commercially available phonecard. The PIN number was readable through the translucent coloredintermediate. The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card atthe edges of the label through separation of the translucent coloredlayers. The polyester at the separation points now appeared blueindicating it was tampered with and the green indicia on the surface ofthe clear polyester layer was now visible. It was noted that the indiciawas not as visible as in Example 4 and care should be taken to usebetter contrasting colors.

Example 10

Step 1—A matte translucent varnish was applied over the surface indiciaof the label intermediate of Example 9 to protect the indicia and maskoptical properties in the refection of light by creating a surface onthe polyester with indicia that is uniform in appearance. The indicia onthe surface of the label intermediate was not visible to the naked eyebecause the color matched the color achieved though the intimate contactof the colored translucent layers and the gloss level of the over coatedpolyester and indicia was uniform. It is contemplated from the examplethat optically variable over coatings could also be used to create auniform surface finish.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over a black PIN# on the back of a commercially available phonecard. The PIN number was readable through the translucent coloredintermediate. The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card atthe edges of the label through separation of the translucent coloredlayers. The polyester at the separation points now appeared blueindicating it was tampered with and the green indicia on the surface ofthe clear polyester layer was now visible. It was noted that the indiciawas not as visible as in Example 4 and care should be taken to usebetter contrasting colors.

Example 11

Step 1—indicia the same color as the label intermediate of Example 4 wasapplied to the surface of the clear polyester around the perimeter ofthe label and was applied to a white card substrate.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over a indicia on the card substrate using the pressuresensitive adhesive. The indicia on the surface of the label intermediatewas not readily visible to the naked eye because the color matched thecolor achieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucentlayers. The indicia on the surface of the card below the intermediatewas not readable to the naked eye because the color matched the colorachieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucent layers.The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card completelythrough separation of the translucent colored layers. The blue indiciaon the surface of the clear polyester layer was now visible because ofthe yellow translucent layer on the opposite side. The blue indiciabelow the blue transparent layer affixed to the card was not visible.

Example 12

Step 1—indicia the same color as the label intermediate of Example 8 wasapplied to the surface of the clear polyester around the perimeter ofthe label and to a white card substrate.

Step 2—The release liner of the label intermediate of Step 1 was removedto expose the pressure sensitive adhesive and the intermediate wasapplied over the indicia on the card substrate using the pressuresensitive adhesive. The indicia on the surface of the label intermediatewas not readily visible to the naked eye because the color matched thecolor achieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucentlayers. The indicia on the surface of the card below the intermediatewas not readable to the naked eye because the color matched the colorachieved though the intimate contact of the colored translucent layers.The clear polyester substrate was lifted from the card completelythrough separation of the translucent colored layers. The green indiciaon the surface of the clear polyester layer was now visible because ofthe blue translucent layer on the opposite side though it was notedbetter contrasting colors would produce a more visible result. The greenindicia below the yellow transparent layer affixed to the card wasvisible as a lighter shade.

Step 3—Conventional ball point pen was used to write on the yellow layeraffixed to the card substrate as a signature stripe would be on a creditcard and it was noted that the layer received ink well. The intermediateof this example can be used as a tamper evident signature stripe thatwould be applied to the card as a label. It would be used to concealingand/or show colored information such as PIN #'s below the intermediateand instructions such as “Peel Here” etc. on the surface of thepolyester layer as desired before and/or after separation of theintermediate. In the case of a signature stripe, separation of theintermediate would be performed by the owner of the card to access thesignature stripe, and reveal the confidential PIN# in a secure mannerknowing the card had not been tampered with.

Example 13

The intermediate of Example 5 was over coated in a select area with ablack scratch off material available from Process Resources Corp.denoted SO-567. The intermediate was then applied to the back side of acommercially available phone card with the scratch off oriented so itcovered the PIN Access Number. The scratch off material was removed andthe PIN number exposed which was now readable through the intermediate.

Example 14

Step 1—A clear ink jet receptive coating was applied to the surface ofthe label intermediate of Example 4 that had been affixed to copy paperby removing the release liner. Indicia the same color as the combinationof the layers of the intermediate was applied to the surface of theclear ink jet coating using a Lexmark 3200 color ink jet printer in theform of a text message “You Have Won A New Car—Call Now”. Multiple testprints of different shades of blue to find the correct shade of theindicia on the surface of the label intermediate were required until theindicia was masked with the ink color matching the color achieved thoughthe intimate contact of the colored translucent layers. The message wasnot readily visible to the naked eye. The clear polyester substrate waslifted from the card completely through separation of the translucentcolored layers. The blue ink jet indicia on the surface of the ink jetcoating on the clear polyester layer was now visible because of theyellow translucent layer on the opposite side.

The patents, applications, examples and test methods mentioned above areincorporated herein by reference.

Many variations of the present invention will suggest themselves tothose skilled in the art in light of the above detailed description tocreate color changing or “chameleon” intermediates for use in tamperevident and masking tape and label applications. For example, there arean infinite number of color combinations available. A practical testmust be employed to ensure the proper contrast between translucentcoated layers when separated and printed indicia if any is used. Insteadof polyester, polyolefins can be used. Instead of a colored translucentcoating or coatings, a colored translucent film or films can be used.Instead of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a heat activated adhesive canbe used.

The ability of the end user to customize their product by printingindicia on the intermediate substrate or the article instead of relyingon pre-configured label and tape substrates from suppliers with fixedmessages. The market will be expanded to users that do not have theability to manufacture the types of materials defined by the prior art.They will have the ability to create custom messages by purchasing a“Chameleon” label substrate to be used in an ink jet printer nowconnected to the majority of computers in America or other types ofelectronic imaging devices. This is a critical aspect of the invention.All such obvious modifications are within the fully intended scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A color changing coated and or laminated intermediate adapted for usefor tamper evident color changing or masking substrates to revealinformation upon the separation of layers of the intermediate,comprising: (i) a colored translucent layer having an upper surface anda lower surface; (ii) a second translucent colored layer having an uppersurface and a lower surface, the upper surface being intimately andremovably adhered to the lower surface of said colored translucent layer(i) to form a combined translucent color that is the product of thecombination of the colors of the two layers or is the dominant color ofthe two layers; and (iii) a reversible separable interface at theinterface of the two colored layers that when separated produces a colorchange back to the original colors of the separate colored translucentlayers said intermediate having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer andremovable backing layer to affix the intermediate to an article; or athermally activated adhesive layer to affix the intermediate to anarticle and indicia on said article printed in a color and shade thesame as the color of the combined layers so it is masked by the combinedcolored translucent layers when they are affixed over the indicia on thearticle, such indicia only visible when the translucent colored layersare separated.
 2. An intermediate as defined in claim 1 provided withclear or translucent protective coating(s) over indicia on the exposedsurface of the intermediate for scuff and rub resistance or to change orequalize the gloss level of the surface of the intermediate to aid inmasking the presence of the indicia in the reflection of light.
 3. Anintermediate as defined in claim 1, provided with print receptivecoatings applied to the exposed (non adhesive) surface of theintermediate that can be customized by a converter or printer includingprint receptive coatings for flexographic, gravure or lithographic inksto help improve ink adhesion and/or receive images from ink jet, thermaltransfer, laser, dye diffusion and other types of electronic imagingprinters.
 4. An intermediate as defined in claim 1 provided with aremovable masking layer in combination with the intermediate of theinvention said layer having been applied over part or the entireintermediate surface.
 5. An intermediate as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid removable masking layer comprises a scratch off coating.
 6. Anintermediate as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of the separablelayers is signature compatible.
 7. An intermediate as defined in claim 6wherein at least one of the said signature compatible layers is treatedwith a formulation comprising finely divided clay or silica.
 8. Anintermediate as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of the separablelayers is signature compatible.
 9. An intermediate as defined in claim 8wherein at least one of the said signature compatible layers is treatedwith a formulation comprising finely divided clay or silica.
 10. A colorchanging coated and or laminated intermediate adapted for use for tamperevident color changing or masking substrates to reveal information uponthe separation of layers of the intermediate, comprising: (i) a coloredtranslucent layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; (ii) asecond translucent colored layer having an upper surface and a lowersurface, the upper surface being intimately and removably adhered to thelower surface of said colored translucent layer (i) to form a combinedtranslucent color that is the product of the combination of the colorsof the two layers or is the dominant color of the two layers; and (iii)a reversible separable interface at the interface of the two coloredlayers that when separated produces a color change back to the originalcolors of the separate colored translucent layers said intermediatehaving a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and removable backing layerto affix the intermediate to an article; or a thermally activatedadhesive layer to affix the intermediate to an article including indiciaon the exposed surface of the intermediate printed in a color and shadethe same as the color of the combined layers so it is masked by thecombined colored translucent layers, such indicia only visible when thetranslucent colored layers are separated.